2024 Kawasaki Z900RS: Do Base Model Tweaks Make The SE Less Appealing?

[@leviefrauim1425]

The Z900RS is the best retro bike ever, period. Beautiful, perfectly proportioned, well balanced power & performance. Just love them!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. That's a strong opinion. I can't argue it seeing as I own one. 🤣👍

[@leviefrauim1425]

@@PeterLoweOne I had a '20, the green/yellow combo (offered her in the States.) Gorgeous, jewel of a bike. When I wasn't riding it, I could sit & stare at it in my garage. Sorry I sold it...

[@mahasidha9]

Peter did you test the 2022 Suzuki Katana?

[@asacarrick1440]

Only on one side... 4 into 1 was the deal breaker for me. I have seen one with 4 into 2 looks twice as good

[@joeking4206]

Superb review. As an Englishman it was nice to hear a Canadian say “zed” although we still measure speed in MPH 😜The number of times I’ve said to other bikers “why the hell would I want a 1967 Triumph? They had bad brakes, narrow tyres, bad suspension, bad electrics, bad everything!” “Yes, but they had soul” No, they were just a product of their age. The original Z900 looked great and the reboot version has better brakes, wider and better tyres, better suspension, better electrics and fuel injection. Just beautiful. I love Kawasaki’s. I’ve had quite a few. I’m 62 and I am buying one of these in Summer. Life is too short.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

[@-bollox]

Be careful of the rozzers.

[@fabriziobegnozzi5851]

The best explication I have found of the best retro-style bike of all: you have bullseyed every point of focus and relevance of frame, engine and aesthetics. Many compliments from Italy.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@BlackArroToons]

Awesome Z900RS with the black, yellow and silver. Spring is not too far away.

[@mic911c2]

I have exactly the same bike and love these colours. Candy Green and Lemon yellow❤

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've got the SE and I never loved the red on the entry level model. This bike stands out from the crowd. I love it!

[@jeffwood4620]

Really enjoyed your presentation on the Z900RS. I bought a 2024 SE model a few months ago and am loving it. Your explanation of all the features on the bike was fantastic, I’ve learned things I wasn’t aware of. Don’t need heated hand grips as I live in Australia and we have enjoyable all year round riding. I would have loved a cruise control as we also have awfully long distances between places. Thanks again.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@thehaggiscatcher]

I have watched this video so so many times. I love that much I went out and bought the bike. So looking forward to riding it on the summer days here in Scotland. Well when its not raining.

[@billbright1755]

They make some cool colors matching fairings that mimic the old GPZ models. I want one for appearance but also more defined air flow around chest area. I want a front fender extension on mine to keep engine better protected. Radiator screen does double duty of looks and keeps fins from damage. I like a muffler can delete for trim looks and slight bit more growl. Grab rails should be standard on all versions.

[@-bollox]

Kawasaki did some neat handlebar fairings for the Z1. As seen on the film Stone.

[@simoncollins6529]

Im collecting mine in 7 days from now, exact same model and colours. Great video review too.

[@jamespolucha8790]

Don’t know why but we can’t get that color down in the USA for some reason

[@istlab2748]

Super review and thanks. I am waiting for my Z900RS, in a to weeks would be "sound meters" My first Kawa was KZ 750 and I am glad that Kawasaki built modern teh bike with retro taste. Kudos to your channel from south of EU

[@georgestratikopoulos2089]

Great sales pitch Pete, love your honest review. Beautiful bike.

[@jimgilbertspowersports3037]

Nice review, you are doing great reviews. Loved Your channel.

[@iamthebeatmaster]

Great video! I have the first edition (2018) root beer and orange colors with a fairing from chic design with perfect matching colors (sold by samurider from japan) it fits the bike perfectly. This bike is a people magnet, it's crazy. fifth season coming and just installed a new set of tires and still look like new, i can't wait! I always have two bikes (to save this one as much as i can, now on my third second bike since i got the "Z" 5 years ago) and i always come back to the "Z". Everything is there; power, handling, performance and look.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Which tires did you go with for replacements? I'm just curious.

[@dsambernardo]

That dark green tone looks awesome!!! Thanks for this great review. I maybe change my z650rs green for this one in the future.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, it's a GREAT colour. My black has a nice metallic flake to it as well, but this green just looks awesome!

[@raybrensike42]

I heard this bike has an easy pull clutch lever. That is a big plus for me. I have had that on my old BMW's and I would hate to give it up. 20 minutes in here and I look at the riding position, imagining some foot controls up where the space between the exhaust headers and the motor is. It just looks like a bike that is asking for a lower seat model something like the Triumph Speedmaster. I would much prefer a 4 cylinder to a twin, but I like the Speed Master riding position.

[@tigerward88]

Yellow ball is the best

[@creed426]

Hi Peter, Thank you for the video-great job! I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is the 2024 Z900 RS SE model worth buying? I know the MSRP is $14,149. Thank you.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I own the 2022 Z900RS SE which is identical to the 2024, and I just got back from a ride an hour ago and was telling my family how much I love that bike. So it was definitely worth buying for me. You'll have to decide if it's what you want in a motorcycle for you. But it's excellent for my regular riding.

[@creed426]

@@PeterLoweOne thank you, stay safe.

[@iodineclip]

is the rear shock preload and rebound adjustable only?

[@jaredmotopnw]

I have a 2022 RS Cafe version. Trades in my triumph 1200 Speed Twin and LOVE.

[@kevinlindberg2220]

I have the 50th anniversary RS. I love it except for the turn signals. I think round amber ones would have really completed the look. That says vintage to me.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I wish mine were the modern LED. I think for me, I love the blend of modern and classic on this bike. Others want it to lean more old school, and I understand that too.

[@_Cobb]

Where can I find the green machin???? I cannot find one anywhere!!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Canada?

[@_Cobb]

Aaahhh Canada wins ! That is my dream bike color scheme and I’ve been eyeing the z900rs for a few years. Of course I hear now you say Canada later in the video 😅

[@andymushlarky7819]

Good overview, prefer the looks of this compared to the SE, the wheels and black forks much better than gold, only down is the rear shock, it would be good to have remote adjustment.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I love the look of my SE, but I think you're right, this may appeal to more people as it's more traditional. You could always upgrade the rear shock if you wanted remote preload.

[@jaymartin5434]

Love this bike . makes me miss my gpz 1100

[@elwood62]

I went to the website to check it out but it looks like that color isn’t available in the US. Too bad.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada. So it's possible things are different in the U.S.

[@od7421]

@@PeterLoweOneyea this lovely green/yellow-ball scheme seems to be available in multiple markets while the US is left with the rather tame 'Diablo black and red pinstripe' on the non-SE.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@od7421 Another great reason to move to Canada? 😉👍🇨🇦

[@Brisco1983]

How tall are you? I’m almost sold on this bike.

[@orange42]

I can't find this loadout and colour anywhere?

[@PeterLoweOne]

This is a Canadian model. Colours and trims may be different in other parts of the world.

[@jaymartin5434]

Great job on this review .i agree with everything you said

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulstanley3265]

You sold me with that paint if only I was rich. Do you have a ride video on the rs I can’t find it.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2mlgZqsgN6HfJofeature=shared

[@lindaeiane9733]

Lovely bike❤❤❤

[@stigeilertsen5016]

Why is the front fender that short ???

[@PeterLoweOne]

Style? Several owners add an aftermarket extension. It hasn't bothered me on mine, but I do have a rad guard.

[@raybrensike42]

So the mud clogs the radiator.

[@janjosephblasco7430]

FINALLLLLYYYYYY...

[@PeterLoweOne]

Hahaha. I've been waiting for this one too.

[@rogerzhang2335]

Cannot wait for the z400rs using the zx4r engine

[@PeterLoweOne]

I wouldn't expect to see that.

[@thecamdenyard]

I’m with you 👍. I personally think the 650rs was a flop… parallel 180 twins are about as exciting as a lawn mower… a small displacement inline 4 retro would be awesome!! They used to make them back in the day!! And Kawasaki already has the engine…and obviously they have moved on from the 399 twin/ninja 400… Instead of “reviewers” saying I wouldn’t expect to see that… they should be saying Yes we would like to see that!!! Kawasaki please make one we all want it!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@thecamdenyard I don't think the Z650RS has been a flop at all... And believe me, Kawasaki has seen me beg for things in the past, but begging and being realistic go hand in hand. I'm not going to spread false hope to people either.

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi Peter

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Nice

[@jeanpequignot80]

I'm gonna tell you who this bike is for... Me. Haha

[@gersonroa7997]

and sound please..!!!!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Sound is SUCH a difficult thing to catch accurately. There's a depth and a precision that gets lost in recording (with mics designed for voice) and can also poorly translate depending on how you're listening. I'll add a link to the riding review that I did of my personal Z900RS SE and you'll be able to hear things, but the sound is SO much more rich and full in person. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2mlgZqsgN6HfJofeature=shared

[@enricohagn]

The real "sound" comes alive when "on" the bike and pulling on the cable enthusiastically. The induction sound the rider enjoys is much more entertaining than the silenced down (93 dB cozed by them EUDSSR Apparatschiks) exhaust.

[@-bollox]

Why do they call it a Z900 when it has Z1 style clocks and side panels ? It is supposed to be retro, but where are the twin shocks and the mudguards ? And the four upswept pipes ? A missed opportunity Kawasaki.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think you want it to be something that it's not. It wasn't designed to be a retro bike in the sense that that a W800 isa retro bike. It was designed to be reminiscent of a retro bike, but in fact, still be a fully modern sport bike. Kawasaki made a business decision to do this, and it's hard to argue with the results. There are a group of people, like yourself, that wish it was more like the original, and there are people like myself who weren't even born when the original came out. The harsh reality is that the number of buyers today who had a license when the original bike launched, make up a much smaller demographic of buyers than the heart of the current motorcycle buying public, and most of us who are a little younger want something that looks unique, but has class competitive performance.

[@-bollox]

@@PeterLoweOne A good point about the demographics, i had a '78 Z900, and can't see why similar can't be made again. Performance is in the engine and the chassis, I have found twin shox to be more stable and not prone to heating as monos are. The latest stying without mudguards look silly to me, road 5hite gets thrown up into the radiator and the back end is difficult to clean. Four into four exhausts look superb and sound better. It wouldn't cost anything to call it a Z1 which it is really. Younger riders won't know the difference. Maybe there should be a mild retro and full retro versions ? The customer doesn't really have a choice, except to buy what is on offer or not to buy.

[@alberthodge631]

please stop saying Zed, this is the usa

[@Mr4321aldo]

Please keep saying Zed...this is Tasmania.

[@raybrensike42]

Someone please tell me what the sense is in a 240 mph speedometer? Is it to make it look fast? Would it be cool to have a temp gauge go up to 400 degrees on a water-cooled bike? I suppose if one is asked "Does it have a speedometer?" you can say, "Yes, a little bit." because you only use 25% of it, and it's not user friendly to the eyes to see your speed. Maybe it's so little children look at it and say "Wow!"

[@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987]

240kmh not mph he even said it. That's only 150mph

[@bsimpson6204]

That exaust hanging from the front of the engine looks like a baggy pair of underpants

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha... harsh criticism! A lot of people think this bike looks great! I'll tally your vote on the side of, "not so much" 🤣 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@johnniewilliams5214]

If the rear fender was more straight up it would look even more ridiculous than what it does. Absolutely ugly.

[@PeterLoweOne]

So.... It's not for you. 🙂 That's ok. What do you ride? Which bike do you think looks great?

[@johnniewilliams5214]

@@PeterLoweOne I liked the true old school bikes with real chrome fenders. The 750 Hondas of the early and mid 70s. I Ride a Harley Road King and am thinking of a 6 cylinder BMW.

[@perrykomick9478]

​@@johnniewilliams5214 a Road King? ...Harley are the ugliest piles of junk assembled with garbage parts on the road...😂😂